Stripping of the distal ureter in association with nephroureterectomy. Evaluation of the method.

Nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment for transitional cell tumours of the renal pelvis. A single-incision surgical technique with use of a vein stripper to remove the distal ureter is evaluated. The method proved to be safe. There was no evidence of increased immediate or long-term risks, including extravesical recurrence of tumour. The method can be recommended for patients with renal pelvic papilloma and probably also for tumours in the upper part of the ureter, but should not be used when there is tumour in the distal ureter.